Pattern Cutting Advice Needed

[SugrMagMama]

Okay.. this may seem like an off the wall crazy question , but I was wondering how you mamas cut out your pattern fabric. Do you use a circle cutter or do you use scissors. I used scissors for my first but I noticed dipe patterns on cutting boards so I wasn't sure.

Could you please tell me how you do your cutting?

(ps. I've only made 1 dipey so far and want to start #2, but was hoping for some answers first! )

Many Many Thanks!

[boscopup]

I do both. I love my rotary cutter, but since I only have a 45mm one, sometimes the tabs are too tight to go around, and I need scissors there. Also, right now, I BADLY need new blades. So I'm using my new scissors until I get around to buying new rotary cutter blades.

[peverroad]

I use sissors for mine and it is so slow!!! but i have heard that people that use the cutter it doen't do so well for diapers for all the curves. If you have any hints for making to cuttings go faster let me know.

[cathiasplace]

I was just looking at the rotary cutters and mats today at Walmart. I think next time I get a 40% off coupon for Michael's, I'm going to get a set. I've only cut a handful of patterns, only one non-diaper. I think a rotary cutter would be so much easier. Especially on the bigger non-diaper patterns.

[JunebugsMom]

I just use scissors. I didn't have much luck going around all those curves on a diaper while using a rotary cutter.

Not a stupid question! I've wondered what others do as well.

[jenamiles]

I cut out all of my diapers using a 45mm rotary cutter. I've never had any problems with corners or curves. I am very careful to stop at just the right spot and shift around my table to get the best angle as I go - I typically will do all of the stuff from one position then move to my second position and do that stuff. I find it much faster and accurate than using scissors.

Jen

[peekyboo]

I've used both and have learned I prefer scissors. Takes longer, but I get a better cut. If I'm cutting straight lines, the rotary cutter is a dream!

[Abbyloos Mommy]

i use scissors, that's just what i learned with. my mom has her own heirloom children's shop out of her home, ever since i was little. before i came along, actually. she always used scissors and said that rotaries were actually harder for her to use for clothing, so i just always used scissors because of that. i've thought of trying rotaries for myeslf though, but i doubt i ever will unless s/o gives it to me.

[radish]

cool! i wondered the same thing too!

[boscopup]

Originally Posted by cathiasplace

I was just looking at the rotary cutters and mats today at Walmart. I think next time I get a 40% off coupon for Michael's, I'm going to get a set.

That's what I did! I got the Fiskar's rotary cutter from Walmart, and I usually get Olfa blades (which you can get at Michael's with a 40% off coupon). And I think you can get the big self-healing mat (35"x23") at Michael's, but I'm not sure. I may have gotten that at Walmart. I HIGHLY recommend getting the long Omnigrid ruler - 23"x6". I LOVE that thing. I definitely got that at Michael's with the coupon. Not as useful for diapers (well, I do draw reference lines with it), but super useful in anything where you need a straight cut.

I just love my rotary cutter... when I have a good blade!!!

[Jes'sBeth]

scissors all the way here. I'm not good enough with a rotary cutter and there's no way I want that thing near my 'it takes 3 weeks to get across the border' PUL! I trace my pattern on with marker and then cut with scissors. I don't find it too slow. I know I get an accurate cut and basically I just like scissors better. I use my rotary cutter for straight lines only.

I think this one is mostly about personal taste, so use what you have and what you like best

[shalena]

I use scissors, I feel like I have more control with them.

[nitareality]

I use scissors for fitted diapers, rotary cutters for bum sweaters and prefolds. I always cut on my mat though, it keeps me from marking up my dining room table where I cut.

[mehndi mama]

I use a 60mm rotary cutter, cutting 6-8 layers at a time. But I use scissors when working with recycled wool.

[SugrMagMama]

Thank you all so very much for your responses!!!!

I just bought a new pair of 45mm Fiskars rotary cutters, but I was fearful to use them... but you gals who use them gave me the kick in the pants to just do it.

And if it doesn't work out.. at least I tried it!!!

I am more comfortable with scissors, but I do use my rotaries alot for other projects..

Again, many many thanks!!!